The War God Alpha's Arranged Bride (Evelyn and Alexander) novel Chapter 208

**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 208: Seduction**

**Judy’s POV**

“Mr. Landry,” the receptionist exclaimed, her voice a mixture of surprise and urgency as she sprang to her feet. The sudden shift in her demeanor was almost comical; her disheveled appearance made me want to smirk, but I managed to suppress the urge.

“I asked you a question, Laura,” he said, his tone sharp as he narrowed his piercing gaze at her. “What gives you the right to send away guests? You know the protocol. You are to call my office, and I am the one who decides whether or not I will see them. Not you.”

She swallowed hard, her eyes darting to the ground as if the very act of meeting his gaze might cause her pain.

“Come with me.”

It took a moment for the realization to sink in that he was addressing me. The receptionist’s glare shifted to me, and I noticed Gavin’s retreating figure, prompting me to nearly trip over my own feet in my haste to catch up. He strode through an opulent waiting room, the kind that felt like a scene out of a movie, until we reached a sleek glass elevator.

This elevator was a marvel of modern technology, complete with a touch screen interface. He deftly brought up a keypad and entered a sequence before selecting a floor.

We were so close in the elevator that the air felt thick and charged, despite the spaciousness around us. The scent of mint, mingled with his aftershave, enveloped me, causing my heart to flutter uncontrollably.

He didn’t spare me a glance, and doubt began to creep into my mind. Was I misreading the signs? Perhaps he didn’t harbor the feelings I had convinced myself he did. The thought of being under this coat, with nothing but lingerie beneath, made me feel exposed and vulnerable.

The elevator came to a smooth stop, and the doors slid open to reveal an expansive area adorned with marble flooring and granite walls.

“Where exactly is your office?” I asked, my voice slightly shaky as I took in the stunning surroundings.

He cast a brief glance in my direction, his expression remaining indifferent.

“This is my office.”

My eyes widened in disbelief at his words. I followed him as he walked further into the space, rounding a corner to reveal his desk positioned before enormous windows that offered a breathtaking view of the bustling city below. The sight was nothing short of magnificent, and a knot of nerves twisted in my stomach.

Instead of taking a seat in his chair, he leaned casually against his desk, arms crossed over his chest. My throat tightened as I took in the sight of him—his white dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal the strong muscles beneath, and dark pants that fit him like a glove, accentuating his impressive physique.

A low purr of satisfaction emanated from my wolf, and I found myself staring at him longer than I intended.

He cleared his throat, the sound startling me from my reverie. My gaze shot up to meet his, and I caught the playful smirk on his lips, as if he had caught me in the act of ogling him.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, embarrassment flooding my senses.

“So, what did you come here for?” he asked, his voice slicing through the tension that hung in the air.

Oh right, the reason I was here.

“I have a problem, and I need your help,” I blurted out, the words tumbling from my mouth in a rush.

He raised an eyebrow, interest piqued.

“What kind of problem?”

I took a deep breath, clearing my throat before continuing.

“My father was arrested the other night,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “His business went bankrupt, and he owes a staggering amount—around five million dollars.”

He remained silent, his gaze fixed on me, as if he were waiting for me to elaborate.

“I was hoping you could help him, maybe pay off the debt to get him out of prison?” I asked, biting my lip nervously.

He paused, his expression contemplative as he processed my request. After a moment, he ran a hand over his face, a gesture that hinted at his own deliberation.

“And what would I get in return for helping your family?” he inquired, his tone shifting to one of curiosity.

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of my own insecurity.

Confidence. I needed to summon it.

I lifted my chin, meeting his gaze head-on. It was a known challenge to look an Alpha directly in the eyes, and even more so to gaze into the eyes of a Lycan. Yet, instead of anger, I found intrigue reflected in his dark eyes.

“Well,” I began, lowering my voice as I stepped closer to him, “at the party the other day, we obviously had a connection…” My cheeks flushed with heat as I uttered those words. “And I thought maybe…”

He reached out, his fingertips caressing the nape of my neck, and my breath hitched at the unexpected tenderness. I gazed into his eyes, feeling my heart sink with disappointment.

“I expected better from you,” he added, and my heart plummeted into my stomach, disappointment washing over me like a tidal wave.

He was right. I was better than this.

I nodded, opening my mouth to respond, but the sound of footsteps approaching interrupted me. I turned to see a couple of security guards standing nearby, and panic surged through me as I whipped around to look at Gavin, my eyes wide with alarm.

“I’m afraid my time is up, and my patience has run out,” Gavin stated, his gaze flickering to me for a brief moment before shifting to the guards. “Escort Miss Montague out of the building, please.”

“Yes, sir,” they replied in unison.

They positioned themselves on either side of me, and I stared at Gavin in shock, unable to process what was happening. I didn’t resist as the guards guided me away from him.

“Thank you for your time,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper as I turned to leave the office. The urge to cry, to let the shame wash over me, was overwhelming, but more importantly, I knew I needed to find a new job.

“I’m so excited we get to work together,” Nan said, her face lighting up with a broad smile. “And you look fantastic in that uniform.”

I glanced down at my outfit, feeling ridiculous in the short skirt and crop top that left little to the imagination. It felt like I was on display, and the thought made me uncomfortable.

Especially during the night shifts, when the place transformed into a club-like atmosphere. These wealthy men would tip generously, and despite my discomfort, it was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to pass up, especially with my financial struggles.

“That’s what friends are for,” she said, nudging me playfully with her arm.

She glanced over my shoulder and sighed.

“Looks like we’re getting a group of guys. Good luck,” she said, her voice laced with encouragement.

I sighed, turning to greet the new customers, but froze in place when I spotted a familiar face among them.

Ethan.